Further to the recent adoption by the Quebec legislature of Bill 31 amending Quebec drug insurance legislation, pharmacists will be authorized to provide new services that will be fully covered either by private plans or the public drug insurance plan starting January 25, 2021. Interested in learning more about this legislation? Keep reading!
This legislation settles a dispute on the compensation of medical acts dating back to 2015 between Quebec and pharmacists. At the time, the adoption of Bill 28 had authorized pharmacists to perform new professional acts, several of which were however not compensated.
With the changes made under Bill 31, some services provided by pharmacists will now be fully covered under the Quebec drug insurance plan (RAMQ), such as the prescribing of drugs for certain minor conditions.
However, other services will remain the responsibility of private group insurance plans and will have to be covered at 100%, notwithstanding the plan’s co-pay and deductible provisions. For example, members who go to the pharmacy for an extension of a prescription will no longer have to pay a deductible or co-pay amount for such services.
The table below presents a comprehensive list of the services now fully covered by private plans and the services covered by the public plan.
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Services Covered at 100% by Private Plans |
Services Covered by RAMQ |
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Therapy modification
Therapeutic substitution
Patient management following hospitalisation (new service)
Evaluation for drug extension purposes and extension of a prescription
Administration of a drug to demonstrate proper use |
Adjusting medication to meet therapeutic goals for certain conditions
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Based on the information received so far, these changes should have a minimal impact on health care costs, and we anticipate no rate adjustments. It is important to continue raising member awareness about sound cost management practices in order to control the cost of health plans.
Any questions regarding these new legislative changes? Contact us now!
Simon Pagé has gained more than 10 years of consulting experience in meeting employers’ needs, developing his ability to guide and advise employers on defined contribution pension plans, investment and group insurance. His consulting style is characterized by his efficiency, leadership and integrity, and his ability to communicate clearly on complex issues.